Hein Vos

Hein Vos (born February 2, 1903, Amsterdam – died April 19, 1994, Amsterdam) was a prominent Dutch politician and economist associated with the Labour Party (Partij van de Arbeid, PvdA). He played a crucial role in shaping the Dutch welfare state in the post-World War II era.

Vos was a key architect of the "guided capitalism" (geleide loonpolitiek) model, where the government played a significant role in wage negotiations and economic planning. He served as Minister of Transport and Water Management (Minister van Verkeer en Waterstaat) from 1945 to 1946 and as Minister of Finance (Minister van Financiën) from 1946 to 1952 in the governments of Willem Schermerhorn, Louis Beel, and Willem Drees.

During his tenure as Minister of Finance, Vos oversaw the reconstruction of the Dutch economy after the war, including the implementation of the Marshall Plan aid. He was also instrumental in the nationalization of key industries and the expansion of social welfare programs. His policies aimed to balance economic growth with social equity.

After leaving government, Vos continued to be an influential figure in Dutch politics and academia. He held various positions, including professor of economics at the University of Amsterdam. His contributions to Dutch economic policy have been widely studied and debated, making him a significant figure in the history of the Dutch welfare state.